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Ford's Sync 4 system will add wireless CarPlay and Android Auto support
Almost five years after it introduced Sync 3, Ford is updating its in-car infotainment system with a lot of features its customers have been requesting for years. When Sync 4 arrives in select Ford vehicles starting in 2020, it'll include wireless support for both CarPlay and Android Auto. Moreover, some Sync 4 vehicles will include wireless charging, so you'll be able to take one less cable with you when you go for a drive in one of the company's new cars.
Join us for Engadget Live in Boston this Friday!
We're kicking off our Engadget Live series this Friday, July 17th in one of our favorite cities; Boston! At 7PM, we're taking over the Royale Nightclub on Tremont Street where we'll bring together gadget lovers and awesome tech brands. Sound good? First, grab your free tickets and then read on to find out what you can expect at our fun, free event.
Join us next week for #EngadgetLive Boston!
In just about one week, you can join your fellow gadget enthusiasts in Boston for our very first Engadget Live event of 2015! If you plan to be in town on Friday, July 17th at 7pm, grab your FREE ticket and join your fellow gadget enthusiasts at the Royale Nightclub at 279 Tremont Street in downtown Boston.
Glympse announces voice-controlled location-sharing app for Ford SYNC
What's the point of hitting the road for glamorous destinations if you can't brag it up? To that end, Glympse is launching a new voice-activated location-sharing app that works with Ford SYNC-equipped vehicles. You'll need to install it on a compatible iOS or Android smartphone, then connect to your SYNC system via Bluetooth, provided you're one of the 5 million Ford drivers so equipped. From there, you'll be able to share your location with contacts by saying "send a Glympse," forewarning Grandma via Facebook or Twitter to put the pumpkin pie in the oven -- without needing to take your eyes off the road or make a call. Your contacts can even go online to see a moving map presentation of your Napa Valley wine tour while they're slaving in front of a screen -- so head sideways after the break for more info. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Ford sells its 5-millionth vehicle with SYNC: that's a lot of media-savvy cars
They grow up so fast, don't they? It was almost six years ago that we saw Ford SYNC step into the world, and the automaker has just handed the keys to the owner of the 5-millionth SYNC-capable vehicle. While we haven't been told what model had the distinction, the milestone represents another million SYNC cars, SUVs and trucks than we saw in May last year. The most striking aspect between then and now may just be the shift in focus (pun entirely intended) -- where we started off just happy to hook up our Zunes in a world of CD changers, we're only content today if we can control seemingly every mobile app known to humanity through a touchscreen. Ford might not want to look too fondly at its rear-view mirror, however, lest an abundance of technology-laden competition close in too quickly.
Voice control comes to MOG's music streaming service with Ford SYNC AppLink
Good news for those who like music on-the-go, Ford had just added a new heavy hitter to its AppLink platform, and this time it comes from none other than MOG. The streaming service boasts a catalog of 15 million tracks, which is available to mobile devices for a monthly subscription fee of $9.99. With the Ford SYNC integration, users may access this vast library either through voice commands or in-dash controls, and as another nice touch, one's music queue will automatically resume from wherever they left off. Voice commands include "artist only" and "similar artists," along with "downloads" for situations when you aren't able to stream and "shuffle favorites." Finally, users may also create presets based on what's currently playing, simply by pressing and holding one of the in-dash preset buttons. This availability is solely for iOS users, but if you'd like to learn more, check the full PR after the break. %Gallery-157259%
Ford says Sync is now in 4 million vehicles, takes a moment to talk up Focus Electric
Since its debut in 2007, Ford and Microsoft's Sync infotainment system has made its way into several of the auto maker's models, including the 2012 Focus Electric. At this week's Future in Review tech conference, Ford announced that more than 4 million vehicles in the US have its entertainment platform on board. In addition to dropping that stat, the company talked up its new EV, which it says can charge in half the time it takes for the Nissan Leaf. Maybe Ford caught wind of Nissan's just-announced e-NV200 all-electric van and wanted to remind those in the market for an EV that a blue box isn't the only option.
Ford brings SYNC and AppLink to Europe
America, I hate to say it, but you're no longer special. Sure, maybe you'll always be number one in Ford's heart, but the company has got to sow its wild oats, and that means heading across the Atlantic with SYNC and AppLink in tow. The manufacturer hopes to sell 3.5 million SYNC equipped vehicles in Europe by 2015, starting with the B-Max which will ship later this year. SYNC will be available in nine different languages at launch and will quickly spread to other vehicles.
Hands-on with new NPR and SYNC Destinations via AppLink
Sadly Ford wouldn't let us rest our rumps in the sexy Evos concept, but we did get a chance to shout some commands at its updated SYNC system and play with a few of the new apps. A rep was kind enough to give us a quick demo of the updated SYNC Destinations app, as well as the newly compatible NPR and IHeartRadio apps for the iPhone. Then we were allowed to climb in the driver's seat of the mid-life crisis red 2013 Mustang GT. Last time we played with AppLink it was on a simple, monochrome screen, had just three apps available and things didn't go smoothly. In the year since, the lineup has grown significantly and now it's on a big, color touchscreen. But, more importantly, it worked pretty much flawlessly (only stumbling briefly over the word "Nevada"). In particular we really enjoyed the ability to pull up any NPR station we wanted -- we were getting a little home sick for WNYC. Head after the break to see it in action.
TuneIn Radio comes to Ford SYNC AppLink, brings 50,000 radio stations with it
Unhappy with the radio selection in your auto? If you're rocking a Ford equipped with SYNC AppLink and a smartphone, that selection is about to get a whopping 50,000 bigger thanks to TuneIn Radio. An updated version of that app enables support for Dearborn's auto interconnect which'll allow drivers to tune into AM, FM, HD and Internet radio stations. And naturally like everything else SYNC, it'll be just as happy taking commands over voice. The updated app should hit the App Store soon, but we'd imagine an update to the Android version isn't far out.
NPR delivers on-demand news for Ford SYNC AppLink (video)
When traditional FM waves aren't enough to quench your thirst for news, NPR's new Ford SYNC AppLink products might just become your favorite watering hole. Now, current event junkies of the proper vehicular persuasion can gain voice access to NPR's entire library of shows and live streams of each affiliate across the country. While these features have previously been available in the organization's apps for Android and iOS, the SYNC integration brings functionality such as the ability to hear the latest news simply by saying "hourly news" at the chime, along with other commands such as "stations" and "topics." An introductory video starring NPR's Audie Cornish and Scott Simon follows the break, along with the full PR.
Ford Sync clears the four million mark, aims to double that within three years
Ford's Sync in-car connectivity system enjoyed quite a prosperous little 2011. Last January, installations of the service topped the three million mark. Now, almost exactly a year later, Sync has come to a full four million vehicles, and it's looking to expand its reach even further. Ford announced the milestone at CES yesterday, projecting that the voice-activated, Microsoft-powered software will clear the nine million hurdle by as early as 2015. It may sound like a bold prediction, but considering that Sync is slated to roll out to markets in Asia and Europe this year, it certainly seems realistic. For more details and back-patting, check out the full PR after the break.
Ford's SYNC Destinations gets updated, now computer optional
Last year, Ford unveiled the SYNC Destinations app, which allowed owners to use their smartphones to preview and sling locations previously entered on syncmyride.com, to equipped vehicles. This year's update simplifies that process, removing that last step, as locations can now be entered and sent to the vehicle entirely on device and sans website. Also new, is the ability to access and report traffic incidents from "every major interstate, highway, arterial and city street in North America" and support for a plethora of new languages like French and German. It also supports Ford's AppLink which uses your phone's smartphone connection for quicker directions downloads. PR detailing all the new features awaits after the break.
Telenav's Scout: personalized GPS for you and your car, too
Telenav's Scout launched today at CES in Las Vegas with dreams of becoming your go-to personalized nav tool. What's personalized nav you ask? Scout opens to a customized collection of your favorite routes displayed in real-time, with traffic, local search, contacts, music and the like at your fingertips on the My Dashboard screen. Coupled with the initial free iPhone offering is Scout.me, a web site that allows users to make plans with friends via social sites such as Facebook and Twitter as well as being able to organize and save their favorite spots. The next time the app is started all that content will automagically appear on your phone. Telenav's end goal here is a consistent user experience across multiple platforms: no more endless typing and re-adding your details to all of your disparate navigation devices. With today's announcements of Telenav's partnership with Ford for its SYNC system, properly equipped handsets will connect to any compatible car where the center console will display your Scout environment as well as maps with voice guidance or text prompts. The app should be in Apple's app store today, but unfortunately there's no word on when we'll start seeing this in cars.
Ford to open R&D lab in Silicon Valley come 2012, wants to be closer to the action
Following in the footsteps of Verizon and AT&T, it's now Ford's turn to open up its very own research center here in Silicon Valley. A prudent choice too, as Dearborn's become more invested in advanced infotainment, not to mention bonafide smartphone apps. Slated to open in the first quarter of 2012, it reckons the center will help "prepare [Ford] for the next 100 years" as it scouts out new technologies and partnerships with local startups and universities alike. Mum's the word on exactly where the new R&D lab will reside, but those interested can learn more about it and its sister facilities -- whom Ford lovingly dubs its "innovation network" -- in the PR after the break.
MyFord Touch Upgrade inbound, brings 'faster, simpler, easier' infotainment to your late-model whip
For better or worse, Ford owners have been basking in the overzealous infotainment ways of MyFord Touch for over a year now. Since then, the service's been updated with amenities such as integrated Nuance voice recognition for SYNC, but now the Dearborn-based automobile monolith is taking things a few steps forward. Penned for release "early next year," the MyFord Touch Upgrade will usher in a massive revamp across every nook and cranny of the system as a whole. Starting with the 2013 model year Flex, Taurus and Escape, drivers will be greeted by over 1,000 revised screens implementing an "improved look," with an up to 40 percent increase in font sizes, a simpler -- and more cohesive -- GUI focused displaying only important info (for less clutter) and notably, doubly fast response times for touch and voice-based inputs. And oh yes, it gets even better. Those with tablets will be pleased to know that multimedia playback will be supported via USB, while mobile phones will benefit from quicker automatic Bluetooth pairing and better echo and noise-cancellation. Ford has also baked-in voice support for sports buffs with Sirius Game Finder, as well as bibliophiles with Audible.com integration (which can also be touch controlled, should you desire it). Best of all, you'll no longer need to recite any parenthetical or bracketed album info your music tracks may have, or the direction of street names when inputting addresses for directions. Speaking of, the TeleNav-enabled nav system will have further map detail courtesy of Navteq, with enhancements like more 3D imaging, "photorealistic" signage and better route planning thanks to "a database of historical traffic patterns." If you've already got some miles on an existing MyFord Touch-enabled ride, no worries -- Ford will give your system the upgrade pro bono when it's available, taking all but a (hopefully) quick visit to your local dealer. Potential and current Ford owners will find more visuals in the gallery below and full details in the press release past break. Update: Ford has let us know that existing owners will not be required to visit their dealer for the upgrade, and will be receiving a USB drive allowing for a self-install in the mail. That said, you can still drop by your dealer after getting it to have the install done there. %Gallery-138462%
Spotify to lay down beats for Ford (update: it's a hack)
It's only been two months since Spotify made its stateside debut, and it's already getting in bed with an American staple. No, it hasn't struck a deal with Beyonce or Britney, but the fine folks at Autoblog are reporting that the streaming music service will make its way into vehicles sporting the Ford SYNC AppLink system "in the near future." Details are otherwise vague, but we'd be interested to hear how the outfit's "exclusive automotive advertising partner" feels about the deal. Update: Turns out this partnership isn't of the official kind. The folks at Spotify were actually on hand at the TechCrunch Disrupt Hack-a-Thon to show off "how easy it is for developers to create voice-enabled smartphone apps using the SYNC API." Looks like Chevy's got nothing to be jealous about after all.
Ford bringing SYNC systems to base trim levels, drops from $395 to $295
Ford's been pushing SYNC in its autos since 2007, but you wouldn't have known it had you opted for the base trim level on your ride. Thankfully for those who appreciate the basics, that's a-changing. The automaker is aiming to entice more potential owners by offering the voice-activated infotainment systems across all levels for $295 (down from $395, where optional), starting with its 2012 Edge and Explorer models. To sweeten the deal even further, it'll also become standard on SEL variants for the first time -- before, it was a luxury previously reserved for Limited and Sport. Ford plans to roll out the system across its entire lineup in three years time, bringing the 2013 Ford Taurus, Focus, Escape and Flex into the fold. You know, options for all of you who aren't hip on the all-American, gas-guzzling SUV. Full PR past the break.
Ford adds operator assist to its SYNC service, lets you scream at a cospecific
Ford is keeping up with the dashboard arms race by beta-testing live operator assistance within its SYNC system. If the voice-controlled navigation fails to capire no matter how loudly you panic, it'll give you the opportunity to say "operator" and vent at a real-life human being instead. Of course, GM drivers already have this option via OnStar, and there's also the OnStar FMV for everyone else, but the premium annual subscription is a hefty $299. Meanwhile, SYNC costs just $60 per year after a three-year complimentary period. Some of those bucks will trickle down to Wisconsin-based MyAssist, whose operators are set to handle the incoming salvos on Ford's behalf. The question is, who can they call? Navigate to further details in the PR after the break.
Ford SYNC AppLink gets rolling in ten new models, still just three apps deep
Back when we gave Ford's SYNC AppLink a test drive in that little green Fiesta, we got word that the Mustang was next in line to receive the service. Well, earlier this year, the auto outfit Linked-up the Mustang and now it's rolling out the application for 10 new 2012 models, including the F-150, Fusion (Hybrid and otherwise), Super Duty, and Expedition. It also says it's got a slew of developers lining up to bring hands-free control of their apps to AppLink. For now, though, no matter which SYNC-enabled beast you boast, or which OS you're rocking (BlackBerry OS, iOS, or Android), you'll be riding dirty with just two linked apps at most. Full PR after the break.
